Weekly Wednesday Message

December 12, 2012

CSULB Applications Top 80,000 for the First Time

As you may have heard, we received a record number of applications from prospective freshmen and transfer students for Fall 2013. Total applications (including applications from international students) reached 82,026, topping 80,000 for the first time in campus history.

We received 56,213 applications from potential first-time freshmen and 25,813 from hopeful transfer students (domestic and international numbers combined) – that’s more undergraduate applications than any of the other 22 campuses in the CSU. We will share with you how we rank nationally when we have that information.

New CalPERS Retirement Plans and Changes

The Public Employee Pension Reform Act of 2012 (Assembly Bill 340), signed by the governor on September 12, is effective January 1, 2013. While there are many components of this bill, some of the changes include rules pertaining to:

Post Retirement Employment

Definition of New Member

Retirement Contributions for Newly Hired

New Retirement Formulas

Cap on Compensation; and

Service Credit Purchases.

For detailed information on the Pension Reform changes, access the Systemwide Human Resources website under What’s New. Questions may be directed to Benefits Services at extension 5-2381 or CalPERS at 888-225-7377.

Faculty-led existing course taught in an overseas setting (The course can be started during the semester and completed at an overseas setting.)

Semester-long projects in which CSULB domestic students are partnered with CSULB international students

A long-range plan for an institutional arrangement with colleagues at overseas institutions that will provide ongoing partnerships to serve future classes and additional participating faculty

Applications are due Monday, March 11, 2013.

Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Holiday Closure

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs will be closed from December 24 – January 1. It will reopen January 2.

Requesting Faculty Proposals for 2014 Alternative Spring Break

The Center for Community Engagement is accepting faculty proposals for Alternative Spring Break 2014.

The Center is inviting faculty to submit proposals for the one-week spring break program as well as a syllabus that aligns the week-long program with the University 300I service learning course. Proposals are due on February 22, 2013.

Nominations for Outstanding Staff Award

Staff Council is currently accepting nominations for the 2013 Outstanding Staff Award. The award recognizes staff who have made significant contributions to the campus community, above and beyond their normal job duties.

2012 W-2 Statements Going Out Soon – Is Your Address Current

The State Controller's Office (SCO) will be mailing W-2s to current mailing addresses in January. It is critical that your mailing address is current in MyCSULB to assure receipt of this important document.

All address changes must be completed in MyCSULB no later than December 17 in order for the SCO to update its records. If you have any questions, contact Payroll Services at extension 5-4164 or payroll@csulb.edu.

Holiday Cart Parade

Join your colleagues at the annual Holiday Cart Parade on Friday, December 14 at 10:30 am. The parade will begin in the Corporation Yard and wind its way through campus for approximately 1 hour.

Did You Know?

Congratulations to seniors Kirst Biakanja and Adria Bonillas, who won the American Collegiate Moot Court Association Western Regional tournament at CSULB on November 30 and December 1.